Army shifting $54.5M for Pueblo depot cleanup

PUEBLO, Colo. The Army is shifting funding to provide another $54.5 million over the next two years for cleanup work at the Pueblo Chemical Depot.

The Pueblo Chieftain reported Wednesday that the extra funds will increase this year's budget to $65.7 million. The extra money is coming from funds not spent at other military installations targeted for closures or realignment.

About 780,000 shells containing 2,600 tons of mustard agent are stored at the depot. Most will be destroyed by robotic technology. About 1,300 shells will be torn open with explosives inside a closed chamber starting this year.